SAARC Psychiatric Federation hosts 16th international conference in Maldives

The 16th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation (SPF) took place on 1–2 November 2026 at the Maldives National University in Malé. The event brought together psychiatrists, researchers, and mental health practitioners from across South Asia, including representatives from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Key topics of discussion included the impact of climate change on mental health, the relationship between social media and mental wellbeing, and challenges facing Generation Z. Other sessions addressed neuropsychiatry, substance use disorders, and the mental health consequences of political violence and institutional disasters. The conference also explored innovative treatments such as precision healthcare and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (r-TMS).

The opening ceremony featured the First Lady of the Maldives, Sajidha Mohamed, as the chief guest. A delegation of 31 scholars and practitioners from Bangladesh participated in the event, which aimed to strengthen regional intellectual cooperation and professional connectivity through education diplomacy.